Using Native American Storytelling in Music Education

Abstract

I know that music is a powerful learning tool, and I value how music can succeed in making deeper connections to learning, especially in storytelling. In the Navajo Tradition, there are sacred songs used to retain a plethora of knowledge that are embedded in the sequence and coding of songs. “The Hózhó songs are holy songs, given to us by the gods” (Curtis, 1907). These traditional songs are taught orally and passed down through generations. There are songs to heal and restore balance and harmony. I know that songs can help the learning process. In education, story books help make connections and songs help retain information and make more meaningful learning. “Native American music is story. Native American music is both part of a story and plays a part in stories, is itself filled with stories.” (Boyea, 2000, p.17). I will create a music curriculum unit using Native American stories or folklore to enhance the learning experience and make cultural connections with my own personal stories. Students will listen to stories and learn songs that are the best correlations to the lessons.